Includes topics on mountain biking. Combines a series of indoor lectures with practical outdoor riding experiences. Topics include riding techniques, clothing, equipment, safety and bike maintenance.

TARGETED STANDARDS

The Sports Science and Physical Education Department’s Outdoor Education curriculum at Idaho State is based on a foundation of five national recognized standards. The following standards apply to this course: Standard 1 (Content Knowledge), Standard 3 (Safety and Minimal Impact), and Standard 5 (Experiential Skill and Field Experience).

DEFINITION, HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY

Mountain Biking Activity Definition. This activity includes traversing of rocks and washouts, and steep declines, on dirt trails, logging roads, and other unpaved environments. These bicycles need to be able to withstand the stresses of off-road use with obstacles such as logs and rocks. Most mountain bikes use wheels with rims which are 559mm in ISO sizing, colloquially referred to as "26-inch", although the term is inaccurate as it covers too many rim and tire sizes to be meaningful. Wheels used on mountain bikes usually use wide, knobby tires for good traction on uneven terrain and shock absorption. Since the mid-1990s, front wheel suspension has become the norm and since the late 1990s, full front and rear suspension has become increasingly common.

Mountain Biking History Summary. The history of the mountain bike includes contributions from cycle-cross in Europe and the Roughstuff Fellowship in the UK. The name "mountain bike" first appeared in print in 1966 as "mountain bicycle". The mountain bike was a modified heavy cruiser bicycle used for freewheeling down mountain trails. The sport became popular in the 1970s in Marin county, California, USA. The 2007 documentary film, Klunkerz: A Film About Mountain Bikes, looks at this period of off-road cycling in detail. However, it was not until the late 1970s and early 1980s that road bicycle companies started to manufacture mountain bicycles using high-tech lightweight materials, such as M4 aluminum, although in recent years, titanium and carbon fiber frames have become more common but can be very expensive. The first mass production mountain bike was the Specialized Stumpjumper, first produced in 1981. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, mountain biking moved from a little-known sport to a mainstream activity.

Mountain Biking Philosophy Summary. There are several different styles of mountain biking, usually defined by the terrain, and therefore bikes employed. Styles of mountain bike riding and mountain bikes have evolved rapidly in recent years leading to terms such as Free ride and "Trail bike" being used to categorize mountain bikes.

COURSE STRUCTURE & STRATEGY

The course is designed to help students develop skills, form an appreciation for safety, and gain an understanding of mountain biking history and equipment. The following value statements help guide course strategy:

The fundamentals of mountain biking will be taught in this course through a carefully selected sequence of skills, starting with the most basic:

To assure maximum opportunity for learning, a pre-planned semester course schedule will be followed which takes students through a progressive series of steps. (The course schedule is reproduced below.) Note that the course schedule may be adapted to facilitate individual differences in learning abilities.

New techniques will be introduced and demonstrated to help reduce the risk of injury.

A safe and caring learning environment will be created.

All interested students are welcomed in this course, no matter what their ability. Whenever possible, personal attention will be provided to enhance learning.

Mountain biking has inherent risks, and in the interest of safety, students are asked to follow class rules. Anyone not adhering to the rules will be asked to leave class.

Proper assessment and evaluation will be provided

Near the end of the course, an assessment of the skills learned in the course will be administered.

Academic materials and lecture subject matter will be evaluated by the use of a written final exam.

Course content will include suggestions and guidance for a physically active lifestyle

The course is taught in a way which allows students to gain an appreciation of mountaineering, and physical activity in general, as a healthy and viable lifetime recreational activity.

An required field trip is offered which introduces students to the mountain environment and opens the door for future satisfying recreational experiences in the outdoors.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Objective 1 (Academic Objective): To gain an understanding of the history of mountain biking, route finding, and recognition of hazards.

Objective 1 Learning Outcomes - By the end of the course, students will:

1a. Be able to explain the history of mountain biking and new trends in the sport.
1b. Demonstrate how to use a map and compass for route finding and navigation while mountain biking.
1c. Explain where at least two sources can be located to provide maps and information about rides.
1d. Explain the common dangers associated with mountain biking and ways in which the hazards can be mitigated.

Objective 2 (Motor Skill Objective): To develop an understanding of the use of a mountain bike and other supporting equipment.

Objective 2 Learning Outcomes – By the end of the course, students will:

2a. Be able to explain the parts of a mountain bike.
2b. Demonstrate the proper technique for shifting to prevent drive train damage.
2c. Demonstrate proper adjustment of brakes.
2d. Demonstrate the proper method of changing a tire.
2e. Explain the various types of equipment and clothing used while mountain biking.
2f. Explain what types of repair, first aid and survival equipment that should be carried during a mountain bike ride..

As an example of how grades are determine, let’s say that a student in the course attends 7 out of the possible 8 total class sessions; and they receive 25pts. on the skill assessment test. Here’s how the grade would be calculated:

If you have a diagnosed disability or believe that you have a disability that might require “reasonable accommodation” on the part of the instructor, please call the Director, Center of Services for Students with Disabilities, 282-3599. As a part of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of the student to disclose a disability prior to requesting reasonable accommodation.